Businesses in Suffolk are being urged to support a new event designed to inspire young people and get them thinking about their careers.

The inaugural Suffolk Skills Show Experience is coming to the county on October 22 and is due to be held at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

The day-long initiative is aimed at 11-24 year olds, and already more than 3,000 young people are booked to attend from schools and colleges. An additional drop-in session has also been organised, so young people and their families who can’t come during the day can visit the show from from 4.30-7pm with no prior booking necessary.

The overall aim is to influence young people’s career aspirations by giving employers and skills providers a chance to showcase opportunities and encourage young visitors to look at different careers and business sectors. Young visitors will be able to participate in ‘Have a Go’ workshops, where they can try some task required for jobs, as well as meet with young ambassadors from local organisations and hear spotlight speakers.

The event is based on the highly successful World Skills Show and is being organised on behalf of ACER, West Suffolk College and Suffolk County Council. Sector sponsors backing the event include EDF Energy, Willis, BT Easton Otley College and Suffolk Agricultural while Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is also supporting the show.

“There is no doubt that Suffolk is the home of hard and entrepreneurial spirit.” said Ian Twinley, chairman of the Suffolk Skills Show Experience. “Our economy is above the UK average in many important areas, such as exporting and growth and it’s important that we maintain this growth not only in the months but also in the years ahead.”

He added: “Our businesses, our economy and our county must be future proofed and that means ensuring we have the right skills in the right places for the right people. This event is a key driver to make that happen.”

The organisers hope they can get 100 employers involved on the day

Exhibition stands for this event are available to book now at a flat rate of £250 (no vat. For further information about the event, visit www.suffolkskillsshow.com, or contact kim@boleyn-events.com/01473 712330 to see how you can use this event to promote your business, influence the skills choices of your new recruits and meet potential applicants for your apprenticeships and vacancies face to face.